Maker Spotlight: Karen Bhatt

Karen is the incredible maker behind our Stanley Manley + Hurley Gurley products. I'm so happy that Karen got in touch to be a vendor in the shop, she's been a wonderful friend + her products are unparalleled. Her wit comes through in her hilarious product names + descriptions such as Mr. Shitz Bathroom Spritz or the Salty Sea Dog Beard Balm + Oil description: Y'aarrr! Ahoy me maties! Prepare to be boarded when wearing this marine based mix!...The closest you'll come to being tossed in the ocean!

But Karen's products aren't all fun + games, they truly work! Something you can feel good about putting on your skin + therefore in your body while being confident that it will do it's job. Whether it's taming "that magnificent beast you are currently sporting on your chin," providing the perfect serum for troubled skin, or giving your bath that extra oomph - Karen's products will not let you down. So read on for a peek into the day to day of this passionate maker...

1. When did you first learn about your trade?

*laughing* Good question!! I think I just naturally fell into it about 5 years ago. I learned how to bake yummy things in the kitchen at a very young age — so “baking” products such as my beard balms + skin care lines was just a natural progression.

2. What do you love about Orillia?

Without a doubt, it’s got to be Lake Couchiching. When my family first moved here from Toronto back in 1982, we rented a house right on the lake. I remember falling asleep every night to the sound of the lake lapping the shore. It is a sound I have carried with me for years — even when I was living away from Orillia. It is the sound that anchors me to this town…

3. Why is it important to you to buy, support + shop locally?

Big box stores are convenient. Yes. I get it. But. They are not original. They carry what I call “soul-less stuff”. When you shop local, you are connecting with an individual who crafted that item you hold in your hands. The local maker has poured their heart + soul into that object. They have given deliberate thought into the finished product. When you purchase locally, you are connecting to the people in your community with invisible threads — threads that help the economy + well being of the area you live in.

4. When has a moment of 'failure' led to an opportunity for you?

Wow. I don’t often think of my failures but …. I would have to say one of my moments of failure revolved around my marriage breaking up. Everything that I had come to depend on was all of a sudden gone + I needed to stand on my own two feet to support my daughter. I turned to the kitchen + started selling my baking at the Orillia Farmers Market for some extra cash. This in turn lead me to start experimenting with creating items that did not have a limited shelf life...et voila! STANLEY MANLEY BEARD BUSTIN’ BALM was born :)

5. If you create your product on the side what is your day job? How do you juggle them? Are you hoping to make you side project a full time job?

I am currently a medical secretary + I.T specialist in a doctor’s office. It’s a tough balancing act to be sure! There are days when I have already put in a full 8 hours + then find myself still in my medical scrubs as I make bath bombs etc until the wee hours of the morning. But I love it :)

Eventually? Yes. That would be amazing. It would be lovely to be able to be my own boss + watch my business grow.

6. How did you get to where you are? What has your journey been like?

I think it all comes down to two words: WORK. ETHIC. I had my very first job at the age of 14 for the princely sum of $4.18/ hr (!!). I believe that you get what you give. So, if I want to make something of myself, I need to put in the work.

As for my journey? It’s been a bit eclectic at the best of times. I have worked as a free lance writer, journalist, radio broadcaster, barista, bartender, cocktail waitress, retail manager, server, baker + now secretary (to name a few!). And you know what? Every single one of those jobs has helped shape me + my life path - I wouldn’t change a single step.

7. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Sourcing out quality Canadian distributors for the wholesale raw goods needed to create my products. I currently order from over 5 different companies - but only one of them is Canadian. That makes me sad....

8. What are 3 things on your bucket list?

1. Take a train to PARIS. Sit outside of a cafe. People watch.

2. Make my own personal ball pit + invite friends to hang out in it with me when they come to visit.

3. Live long enough to witness my daughter achieve success in the art world.

9. Where or how would you recommend someone interested in your trade start?

I would give them two words which need to be the cornerstone of their interest: RESEARCH + PASSION. The internet is an incredible place + it has endless avenues which you can stroll down. Use this modern day marvel to your advantage. Research recipes, packaging, prices + markets. As for the element of passion? You have to have the drive to create + produce. Without passion, your products will suffer. Customers can sense authenticity. No passion = half-hearted items.

10. What resources did or do you find helpful?

Pinterest. Google. Recipes that my grandma had. My own imagination :)

12. What are 5 things you wish people knew about your products?

1. I like to go for long drives + sing my heart out.

2. Best weather? Rain + thunderstorms

3. Most people see me as a very loud, outgoing person. That is not the real me. I absolutely hate being social. Seriously. I identify more as an INTROVERT than an extrovert.

4. My name is Karen-Margaret but I rarely let anyone but family call me that.

5. Wood fireplaces over gas fireplaces every time!

12. What are 5 things you wish people knew about your products?

1. Every single item I create is handcrafted by me.

2. I write + produce all my own packaging/marketing.

3. My products are phthalate + paraben free!!

4. A majority of my earnings go to my daughter’s education fund.

5. I LOVE making products that are good for you + the environment

Thanks for your honesty + humour Karen, always a pleasure :) Be sure to follow the shop on Instagram + Facebook to stay up on all of Karen's new products.

#Artist #Artisan #SupportLocal #Series #Photography